TIFFANY Cromwell is a pro cyclist with Canyon/Sram Racing. She is also a global ambassador for cycling brand Rapha.

The Northern Echo:

Why do you cycle?

Well I’m lucky enough that cycling is my job, so I cycle because it’s part of my daily routine of training and races. But cycling to me also gives me a sense of freedom. It allows me to get outside everyday in the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of ‘city’ life and to be with my thoughts. It’s the perfect escape when you have a lot on your mind or when you just need a change of scenery. It’s also a fantastic way to explore and see a new place.

What do you ride?

I ride a Canyon Ultimate CF CLX road bike. It’s the perfect all around road bike that has aero properties to go fast on the flats and is light enough to get up the climbs.

Tell me about your favourite route?

This is a tough one. It would have to be between training on the roads where I grew up in the Adelaide Hills. Around the areas of Stirling, Aldgate, Carey Gulley, Uraidla, Summertown etc. Through here you never have long climbs, but it’s constantly up and down. There’s so many different roads you can take to make many different loops. The area is full of leafy trees, local apple orchards, vineyards and cute hills towns. Whereas when I’m back in Europe living in the South of France close to Monaco I love to train out in the mountains behind there. You generally start along the coast either towards Nice or Italy. Again it’s just a playground. When you go out behind Nice the climbs are shorter than that of Italy but still quite challenging. I love to go up to L’escarene and onto Col du Braus. Drop down towards Sospel and across to Col du Castillion and then descend back towards the coastal town of Menton. If I’m feeling up for it, I’ll then cut across the foot hills to Gorbio Village and back down into Monaco. But if I’m a bit tired, then I’ll head home via the coast. It’s a stunning area to ride with so many postcard views.

Tell me about your best cycling memory?

That’s super tough. I have so many amazing cycling memories from the people I’ve met through riding my bike to some of the incredible racing memories I’ve had over the years. I think one of the standouts would have to be the first time I was cycling in Japan around the Hakone area close to Mt Fuji. It was my first time in Japan, I had local guides and it was Autumn. I just remember it was like no where else I had ridden before. The weather was perfect, the views were magical and I got to have a truly local Japanese experience. It was an incredible day of cycling that I will always remember.

What do you consider your most important piece of cycling equipment?

A spares kit. When you’re out riding in the middle of nowhere and get a flat tyre you could find yourself stuck. You may not have phone reception or any open shops. I think it’s super important to always have a spare tube, hand pump and tyre levers so if you run into trouble you can get yourself home. And cash is always important too as you never know when it might come in handy. Even to put inside your tyre if you cut it, good little trick to know and makes you more motivated to then change the tyre when you get home.

If you could cycle anywhere where would that be?

I would love to cycle around Lake Baikal in Russia. Russia has always fascinated me and one time I came across this place called Lake Baikal. It just looked stunning, and ever since then I’ve wanted to visit. I think with a mountain bike would be fun.